Short Summary

Students from the American university in Beirut, Lebanon, demonstrated Apr 30, in support of the Arab dockworkers boycott of American ships.

Description

Students from the American university in Beirut, Lebanon, demonstrated Apr 30, in support of the Arab dockworkers boycott of American ships. The Arab dockworkers action is the reply to the New York dockers picketing of an Egyptian cargo ship the "Cleopatra". With the backing of the Executive Council of the International Federation of Arab Workers, the boycott has spread to most Arab countries.

Marching through the streets of Beirut, about 2,500 students were stopped by the police before they could reach the American Embassy. Extra guards have been placed round the Embassy and other American offices in the city. Demonstrators, with banners and slogans proclaiming support for the Arab dockers, gathered outside the Government offices and waited until they were addressed by Premier Rashid Karami, who supported the boycott action.

Units of the security forces then forced the students to disperse. Under American law all United States aid to Arab countries should be carried in American ships. If the boycott is not called off, the Arab nations may suffer as a result of their own actions. Although it has no official Government backing.

In Beirut, the first ship likely to be effected is the 10,000 ton "Santa Alica", due to arrive in Beirut, May 1.